Penne With Artichokes Pancetta And Thyme Recipes

PANCETTA AND ARTICHOKE BAKED PASTA WITH SMOKED MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until the garlic is golden, about 2 minutes. Add both cans of tomatoes and 1 cup water. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat slightly, add the basil sprigs and simmer rapidly, uncovered, until thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Discard the basil and season with salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl with a slotted spoon. Add the artichoke hearts and cook, stirring, until warm, about 2 minutes; transfer to the bowl with the pancetta.
• Cook the penne in the salted boiling water until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta and add it to the bowl.
• Add the tomato sauce, smoked mozzarella and half of the Parmesan to the bowl and stir well to combine. Transfer the pasta to a 3- to 4-quart baking dish and top with the mozzarella and remaining Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, until browned, about 15 minutes. Let the pasta stand about 10 minutes before serving.

PASTA WITH ARTICHOKES AND PANCETTA

Steps:

• Squeeze one lemon half into a large bowl of cold water. Pluck off all tough leaves from one artichoke, until you reach leaves that are pale and soft. Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, peel stem and trim base of artichoke, then dunk it in lemon water to keep it from browning. Cut off the top 1/3 of artichoke and discard. Cut artichoke in half; remove any inner purple leaves and scoop out the fuzzy choke if there is one. Thinly slice artichoke lengthwise to include some of the heart. Put slices in the lemon water and leave them there as you cut remaining artichokes.
• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil, then cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in pancetta and cook until browned and crispy, stirring occasionally, 8 to 12 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate; leave fat in pan.
• Drain the artichokes, shaking them well to remove excess water. Raise heat under pan to medium-high, and stir in artichokes, leeks, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, and cook until golden brown and tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and stir in vermouth, scraping up any browned bits from bottom of skillet.
• Stir in cooked pasta, pancetta, chives and parsley. If the mixture seems dry, add pasta water, a little at a time. Stir in more salt to taste, Parmesan and lemon juice to taste.
• Transfer to serving plates and top with a drizzle of oil, more black pepper, and more grated cheese.

PENNE WITH ARTICHOKES AND MUSHROOMS

Steps:

• Heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the artichoke hearts and cook for 2 minutes. Season with the salt and pepper.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to the boil. Add the penne and cook just until tender. Drain. Place in a large bowl. Toss in the artichoke mixture and the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Divide among 4 plates and serve immediately.

PENNE WITH ARTICHOKES, PANCETTA, AND THYME

Steps:

• Put your water to boil and cook pasta.
• Drain the can of artichokes and slice into slivers.
• Melt butter in a large skillet over a medium heat.
• Add the onion and cook until it softens and turns a rich gold color.
• Add the pancetta and continue sauteing until the pancetta is nicely browned but not crisp Once the pasta is almost done, return the sauce to the heat.
• Add the artichoke hearts, salt, black pepper and thyme and boil away any excess liquid, leaving just a little moisture.
• When the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and toss it with the sauce, adding the grated cheese.
• Taste for salt and pepper and serve at once with extra fresh grated parmigiano to top if desired.